The engineers are planning for LEED gold certification. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design status means the designers want to maximum efficiency and environmental design for the electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems.

The total project cost is $22.4 million. Board member Jodi Hess balked at that figure, but architect Randy Galiotto said it includes design fees, finance fees and other "soft cost" contingencies. He said the project is on budget and the school district expects to get $3.4 million in state reimbursements to help cover the costs.